OREANDA-NEWS. In 2011, approximately 6.1 million pregnancies were reported in the U.S. However the number is expected to decrease in the coming five years. As per the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the Guttmacher Institute, abortions too hit a record low during 2010-2011. Research also found out that the rate of pregnancy amongst women aging 40 years and older was high and that among teens was low. 
 
Nevertheless, the market for pregnancy products is expected to register a healthy growth rate as pregnant women continue to face certain health issues such as stretch marks, hair and nail changes, hyperpigmentation, and back pain. Leading players in the U.S. pregnancy products market offer many products in the form of creams, gels, lotions, and balms to address such conditions associated with pregnancy. As reflected in a new report from Transparency Market Research (TMR), the U.S. pregnancy products market is expected to progress from US$266.6 mn in 2014 to US$439.2 mn by 2023. 
 
TMR experts answer a few questions pertaining to the U.S. pregnancy products market:
 
Q. What types of pregnancy products are available in the U.S. market and which product segment dominates?
 
A. Leading players in the U.S. pregnancy products market are taking efforts to introduce new sets of products. Stretch mark minimizers, skin toning lotions, body restructuring gels, stressed leg products, breast creams, itching prevention creams, and dark spot treatment creams are some of the many pregnancy products available in the U.S. pregnancy products market. 
 
Approximately 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, reports state. As stretch marks during pregnancy is a common issue, the demand for stretch mark minimizer products is constantly on the rise. Clearly, the stretch mark minimizer segment is currently the leading contributor to the U.S. pregnancy products market. 


Q. Do cosmetic products affect adversely if used during pregnancy?
 
A. Yes, would-be-mothers need to take extra care while using certain cosmetics during pregnancy. A new study by SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York, the U.S., warns that using certain cosmetics such as lotions and soaps during pregnancy can affect newborns adversely. Using cosmetic products with certain antimicrobial compounds such as propyl paraben and triclocarban is dangerous. These antimicrobial compounds are linked with decreased body length at birth, decreased birth weight, and increased odds of preterm birth. 
 
A chemical called Triclosan is used in personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoos, mouth wash, deodorants, soaps, and cosmetics to reduce bacterial contamination. However, a new study has found out that Triclosan antimicrobial agent disturbs bacterial communities in the gut, which might lead to arthritis, malnutrition, heart disease, and diabetes. 
 
Considering the side effects of certain cosmetics, mothers-to-be have become aware of selecting their products after due inspection. The reduction in the use of specific cosmetics due to harmful chemicals is expected to affect the U.S. pregnancy products market in the near future.